Vitamin D Deficiency & Supplementation to Optimization
It is estimated that 1 billion people worldwide are vitamin D deficient. Recent studies have shown that as much as 40% of American adults have this deficiency.
At Joy Wellness Partners, we believe it is important to not just hit a sufficient level of vitamin D, but to reach an optimal level because of the importance it plays in your overall health. Vitamin D’s Role in Your Health. Research over the last few decades has broadened the understanding of vitamin D’s role in the body’s physiological function.
Initially thought of as just a vitamin related to the absorption of calcium and phosphorus — vital to bone health — recent links to vitamin D deficiency and a higher chance of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, cancer and immune system disorders, has led to the medical community to redefine vitamin D as a hormone with the ability to influence multiple organ systems in the body.
While work is still being done to understand why sufficient vitamin D levels appear to lead to improved immune system function, elevated mental health and reduction in the risk of heart disease — as well as its proven role in bone health — scientists have found that almost every cell in the human body has a vitamin D receptor.
Which begs the questions, “how do I find out what my vitamin D level is,” and “what are my options if I am vitamin D deficient?”
“How do I find out what my vitamin D level is?”
Vitamin D levels tend to remain stable — or worsen — without intervention. The good news is a simple one-time blood test is all that is needed to assess your vitamin D level.
While 30 to 50 ng/mL is considered an adequate level of vitamin D, Joy Wellness Partners helps our patients achieve an optimal level of vitamin D, or 60 to 100ng/mL.
We routinely screen for patients’ vitamin D levels along with other markers of health such as hormone levels, cholesterol levels and thyroid function. Pre-treatment blood work and consult with a licensed medical provider is $375.
“What are my options if I am vitamin D deficient?”
While the word “deficiency” can sound ominous, there are some simple and affordable solutions available at Joy Wellness Partners.
Vitamin D3 50k Blister Pack (Orthomolecular)
For patients looking to boost their vitamin D level into an optimal range in a shorten amount of time, Orthomolecular’s capsules of 50,000 IUs of vitamin D3 can be taken in addition to other vitamin D supplementation. Typically taken as 1 capsule per week for 15 weeks, this product costs $20. It is recommended that this supplement be taken along with a meal containing healthy fats such as eggs, avocado or nut butters.
ADK-10 (Biote)
For daily supplementation, the number one vitamin D product we recommend is Biote’s ADK-10. Along with 10,000 IUs of vitamin D3, each capsule contains 500mcg of vitamin K2 — which aids in the absorption of vitamin D3 — and 1,500mcg of vitamin A — another fat-soluble vitamin that plays an important role in multiple organ systems.
One bottle of ADK-10 costs $37 and lasts 3 months. It is recommended that this supplement be taken along with a meal containing healthy fats such as eggs, avocado or nut butters.
Vitamin D3 + K2 (Quicksilver)
Capsule supplementation can be an excellent way to boost essential vitamin levels. However, if you are struggling with gut health and possible malabsorption, there is a liposomal option, which allows absorption as soon as the product is in the mouth. Quicksilver Scientific’s D3K2 liposomal contains 2500 IUs of vitamin D3 and 90mcg of vitamin K2 — which aids in the absorption of vitamin D3 — in each 0.5mL pump, taken daily. The lower amounts of vitamins in the recommended dose is a reflection of the higher bioavailability of the emulsified liquid vitamins in comparison to the capsule form. One bottle of D3K2 liposomal costs $50 and contains 100 pumps.
Vitamin D3 Shots (25,000 or 50,000 IUs)
Another effective solution outside of capsule supplementation of vitamin D3 is intramuscular injections of 25,000 or 50,000 IUs. The IM injection can take place in-clinic after a lab result confirmation of either a deficient or suboptimal vitamin D level for $30. Some studies have shown that an IM injection of vitamin D3 can boost levels up to 30 ng/mL. It is recommended to start or continue other vitamin D supplementation after the IM injection.
Other Forms of Vitamin D3 Supplementation
Vitamin D3 is produced by your skin when it is exposed to sunlight, so time spent outside can help boost your vitamin D levels (but be mindful that excessive UV ray exposure has been linked to most skin cancers).
You can also obtain small amounts of it through foods such as certain fish, dairy and plant milks fortified with vitamin D, and mushrooms. However, it can be difficult to reach healthy vitamin D levels through diet alone.
Please give Joy Wellness Partners a call at 858-609-0866 or email info@joywellnesspartners.com to set up a complimentary 15-minute phone call with a licensed medical provider, or to book a pre-treatment blood work and consult. Let us help you optimized your vitamin D level today!
Resources:
– https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/vitamin-d-and-your-health-breaking-old-rules-raising-new-hopes
– https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/vitamin-d-whats-right-level-2016121910893
– https://www.emersonecologics.com/blog/post/vitamin-d-deficiency
